Classical Pilates | GYROTONIC® Method

Benefits of GYROTONIC®

Some of the benefits that may be gained by practicing the GYROTONIC®, and GYROKINESIS® methods are increased circulation, cardiovascular stimulation, increased mobility of the joints, stimulation, strengthening of the nervous system, mobilization of the spine, improved sense perception, greater balance, and improved coordination. To attain these, practitioners keep in mind the four primary principles of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®:

Intention

“Intention is the driving force that moves the body.” – Juliu Horvath. It is a person’s vision that guides his/her movement in the desired direction.

Stabilization through Contrast

“Instead of attempting to create stabilization by fixing or holding the body in a particular position, The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® encourages the mover to find a balance between reaching, or lengthening outward (extending or expanding), and pulling inward toward the bodies core (tensing, or retracting). This opposition is not static, instead there is a continuous wave like pulsation of reaching out, and reeling in from the center of the body. In this way stability is attained by a counterbalance of opposing forces.” – Joyce Campbell

Decompression of the joints

Joints that are overly compressed cannot move freely. Decompression of the joints can be attained by utilizing the principle of stabilization through contrast, along with cuing exercisers to articulate joints with a scooping, curvilinear motion. By creating a scooping motion, and moving around joints in a circular manner, greater space may be attained in the joints, optimizing the quality, and efficiency of most joint movements.

Coordination of movement and breath

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® stresses the value of using a corresponding breath pattern for each movement. Generally this involves inhaling when a movement is intended to expand, or open, and exhaling when a movement is intended to contract, or close.

“If I have the time, I take Pilates mat classes, GYROTONIC® privates using the reformers, and occasionally will run on the elliptical machine.” – Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre